Implementing Change after ESOS
At the end of the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) extended deadline on January 29th 2016, less than 60% of the circa. 10,000 ESOS-eligible businesses in the UK were compliant with the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme Regulations (2014 No. 1643). The Environment Agency had received 5,948 notifications of compliance and 1,000 notifications of intent to […]
A Deeper Look at ISO 45001
ISO PC 283 was inaugurated in London in October 2013 with the aim of developing ISO 45001, the international standard in occupational health and safety management. Its ultimate aim is to supplant OHSAS 18001:2007. In excess of 90,000 OHSAS 18001 certificates have been issued in 127 countries to date. ISO/DIS 45001 was recently issued, with […]
How Will the Paris Agreement Impact Climate Change?
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has concluded that it is more than 90% probable that Greenhouse Gas (GHGs), such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide produced by human activity, have caused much of the observed increase in the earth’s temperature over the past 50 years. Evidence of the increased surface temperatures can […]
New Targets for the EU’s Circular Economy Package
The European Commission has adopted an ambitious Circular Economy Package which includes revised legislative proposals on waste to stimulate Europe’s transition towards a circular economy. The circular economy is a generic term for an industry economy that is producing no waste and pollution in which material flows are of two types, biological nutrients designed to […]
The 7 Challenges of Implementing ISO 14001
ISO 14001 certification is of immense value. Implementing this environmental management system has been shown to directly lead to more efficient use of resources and less waste. This is an extremely easy way to increase profitability. It has also been proven to reduce the risk of prosecution and insurance claims stemming from environmental issues. Finally, […]
Data Protection Day 2016
Today marks the 10th Anniversary of the signing of the Council of Europe’s Convention 108 for the Protection of Individuals. The convention referred to the automatic processing of personal data, which has been the cornerstone of data protection in Europe and beyond for the last 30 years. Data Protection Day is celebrated globally on the […]
The (Dutch) Ban on Plastic Bags: Make Your Choice!
Since the 1st of January of this year plastic carrier bags have been “banned” from Dutch retail stores. That is, the free plastic carrier bag. The Dutch government has already implemented the possibility to ban these bags in the so-called Decree on Management of Packaging 2014. In this Decree a provision was implemented not to […]
DIS ISO 45001 Available for Public Comment
ISO 45001, which is replacing OHSAS 18001, will be the first internationally agreed Health & Safety management system standard that will be relevant to organisations across the globe. ISO Standards have been developed to assist organisations in managing their processes and risks in a systematic and consistent way. The Draft International Standard (DIS) ISO 45001 has […]
Asbestos – Still a Topical Subject
In June of this year, The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and the Committee of the Regions (CoR) heard that the total number of estimated asbestos related deaths in Europe could reach a total of 47,000 per year – this is 50% higher than previously thought and double those deaths related to road accidents. […]
ISO Standards & Public Policy: One Boosts the Other
The ISO standards in conjunction with the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) provide a boost to the public policy process as they assist governments and regulators achieve their goals. In doing so, these globally recognised standards provide confidence in technical specifications and safety requirements which help to implement policy commitments. IEC General Secretary & CEO Frans […]
